Charles Pratt - Chief Engineer of Cleveland City Parks Board
10322 Lake Shore Boulevard
Based on work accomplished in Cleveland and his high standing throughout the country, Charles Pratt became one of the eminent engineers, landscape artists, and city planners in the middle west. For years he represented the best ideals of his profession, and his ideas have worked into many concrete forms which all citizens of Cleveland to appreciate and enjoy.
Charles Wheeler Pratt was born in 1865 in Nashua, New Hampshire, the son of Charles and Sarah Ann Pratt. For many years his father was a sailor and captain of a merchant ship from New England ports. He was in the Union Navy during the Civil War, having command of some of the largest ships of the North.
Early education was with Boston public schools, followed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This training and long and thorough practical experience earned him a high place in the engineering profession.
Upon graduation in 1881, he entered the office of E. W. Bowditch of Boston and was there until 1891. He gained experience in the construction of sewers, waterworks, and general landscape gardening.
Charles Pratt came to Cleveland in 1893 and, in 1894, became Chief Engineer of the Cleveland City Parks Board until his retirement in 1902. Pratt had technical supervision of all the construction work done on the public park system of Cleveland. He was the designer of the original "Group Plan" recommended by the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce in 1902.
Around 1900, Platt was hired to layout Ambler Heights, 25 acres south of North Park Boulevard, to market to an upscale clientele. He laid out a neighborhood with wide, gently-curving streets. Lots were generous and irregularly shaped to accommodate natural features.
Pratt served as Bratenahl's road commissioner and engineer. He was elected to the first Bratenahl Village Council. He served just one full year, having resigned in 1906. He served as road commissioner and engineer.
Before coming to Bratenahl, Pratt served in the Massachusetts National Guard. Social memberships in Cleveland included the Country, Union, and Cleveland Yachting clubs.
Charles married Mary Fredricka Bailey on November 27, 1901. Fredricka was well known in Cleveland society. She sued for divorce on January 26, 1912. The suit was on formal charges of "gross neglect of duty." The couple had separated, and the suit was expected by a few who knew Mrs. Pratt socially. Mr. Pratt did not contest the suit. The couple had no children.